Talks continue on division of seats in new government

ANO leader Andrej Babiš said in a Facebook video on Friday that he is not yet ready to announce a new cabinet line-up. He said talks on the division of ministerial seats and parliamentary committees continue. ANO is negotiating a possible coalition with the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) and Motorists parties.

After briefing President Petr Pavel on progress in the talks on Thursday, Babiš said negotiations were going “relatively well.” The Czech head of state stressed that the future government must uphold EU membership, NATO ties, human rights, and democracy.

Babiš said he wants to move quickly on the coalition deal, but faces criticism over a possible Motorists’ appointment to the post of environment minister. More than 20 environmental groups, along with professors and scientists, have urged him not to give the post to that party.